How to make an interior stand out? Play with color, texture, add interest, layer things and choose unique furniture pieces. Ceiling is often an overlooked “fifth wall” that can totally transform a room if you give it some love. By extending color there can add visual interest, texture and sophistication to a room, without much effort. We’ve gathered everything you need to know about painting ceilings, with pros and cons, and I’m sure that after reading that and seeing the pics you will say “Wow, I never thought of that!”
Why Consider Painting The Ceiling?
When I first started dabbling with interior design, I had no clue the ceiling could be anything other than white. I mean, who even looks up, right? Wrong! Painting your ceiling can create a striking visual effect that immediately draws the eye upward. Different ceiling colors can completely alter how a room feels. Want your living room to feel larger? Go for a lighter shade on the ceiling—it tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger. But if you’re aiming for cozy and intimate, darker tones can bring the ceiling down, creating an effect of coziness. Just not make a small room to appear even smaller. There is also the finish component – using a glossy finish on the ceiling can make the room even more expansive looking, but glossy finishes also make flaws look even more prominent.
Choosing The Style
Let’s talk styles. The options are endless. First up, monochromatic ceilings. This is where you paint the ceiling the same color as the walls for a seamless, modern look. It’s clean, simple, and makes the room feel cohesive.
If you’re like me and love a bit of drama, contrasting ceilings are the way to go. Pick a ceiling color that’s a shade or two darker than the walls, or even a completely different hue. This creates a bold, eye-catching design.
If you’re feeling adventurous, patterned ceilings could be your jam. Think stripes and geometric shapes — anything that adds a layer of personality. I once helped a friend paint her nursery ceiling with a color block effect, a sky blue and a gentle white. It was a total showstopper and made the room feel so modern.
A beautiful and chic living room with creamy walls and grey paneling, a coral ceiling, a fireplace, an elegant sofa and a coffee table.
A boho space with a pink ceiling, a daybed with pillows, a gallery wall, potted plants and a jute rug plus some decor.
A bold bedroom with a red ceiling, a lilac bed with mustard bedding,a lilac dresser, a bold rug and a pink nightstand.
A bold home office with violet walls, a mint green ceiling, a desk and a mint chair and stacks of books.
A bold living room with a green ceiling, a sofa, a table, a metal chair, a bench and a striped rug.
A bold living room with a hot red ceiling, a dark green sofa with pillows, a bold and catchy gallery wall and pendant lamps.
A bold living room with an orange ceiling, white walls and floor, a chic Chesterfield sofa, yellow furniture and a fireplace.
A bold nursery with creamy walls and a coral ceiling, a stained dresser, a white chair, a colorful pouf and curtains.
A bright dining room with a turquoise ceiling, bold navy wallpaper and red paneling, a dining table and plywood chairs, pendant lamps.
A bright eclectic living room with a glossy blue ceiling, a vintage bookcase, a fireplace, a bold printed rug, a red daybed and a blue sofa.
A bright formal dining room with navy wlals, a hot pink printed wallpaper ceiling, a stained table and neutral chairs plus a bold artwork.
A bright home office with a red ceiling, a black fireplace, a vintage desk, a chair, some lamps and art and a green chandelier.
A bright living room with a hot red ceiling, an orange sofa, a navy chair, a bold artwork and pendant lamps plus elegant coffee tables.
A bright nursery with a bold yellow ceiling, murals on the walls, light stained furniture and a printed rug and some lovely toys.
A bright nursery with a mustard ceiling, a crib, layered rugs, a stool, a gallery wall and some bright pillows.
A bright orange ceiling, a matching chair and drawer to create a bold and welcoming kid's room.
Best Colors for Painted Ceilings
Choosing the right color, though, that’s where things can get tricky. Classic white or off-white is always a safe bet. But if you’re ready to make a statement, bold and dark colors like deep green or navy can create a cozy, dramatic atmosphere. I saw a deep teal in a bedroom once, and it felt like sleeping under the night sky. Simply magical!
For a softer, more calming vibe, pastel shades like blush pink or pale yellow can make a room feel inviting and peaceful. I’m particularly fond of using warm neutrals like taupe or soft gray in spaces where I want to add warmth without overwhelming the design. And if you’re feeling brave, bright hues like coral or sunny yellow can energize a room, perfect for spaces where you want to inject a little fun and playfulness.
A catchy dining room with navy walls, a pink ceiling, a dining table, neutral chairs, pendant lamps and a color block credenza.
A chic and refined living room with elegant curved furniture and a gold ceiling that echoes the furniture base.
A chic Scandinavian home with neutral walls,a bold green ceiling, light green curtains, a coffee table and a navy vase.
A colorful living room with a glossy blue ceiling, a navy sofa, a printed rug, a gallery wall and some lamps and a coffee table with blooms.
A colorful nursery with an orange ceiling, a crib, a bold accent wall, a shelf and some toys and decor.
A color-infused living room with an orange ceiling, a fireplace, a navy sofa and a green bureau, a rug and a coffee table.
A cozy nursery with pale green walls and an aqua ceiling, a grey dresser, a rattan chair and a fringe chandelier.
A dining room accented with a peachy ceiling, a black table and cane chairs, a lamp and an entrace to a teal kitchen.
A home office or study room with open shelves, a blue ceiling, a desk, some chairs and a credenza with an artwork.
A hot red ceiling and an echoing bathtub make the space bold and add personality to it at once.
A maximalist living room with a peachy ceiling, a fireplace with a chic mantel, a dark green sofa, a coral chair, a rocker, an orange pouf and fun layered rugs.
A Mediterranean bedroom with a mustard ceiling, a bed with printed bedding, a stained console table and a large mirror.
A modern bedroom with a red ceiling, a bed with neutral bedding, a jute rug, a potted plant and an arched mirror.
A modern bedroom with a red ceiling, a niche with shelves, a bed with pink bedding and some art and lamps.
A modern dining room with a green ceiling, a black table and black chairs, a cluster of pendant lamps and some books and magainzes on the floor.
A modern fun dining room with a fuchsia ceiling, a shelving unit, a table, green chairs and lots of quirky and cool decor.
A neutral bathroom spruced up with a bold aqua-colored ceiling that brings color and makes the space non-boring.
A neutral bedroom gone bright with a coral ceiling and a matching dresser, a small fireplace, a bed and some greenery.
A neutral kitchen accented with a yellow ceiling with stucco, a yellow curtain and a printed rug plus some yellow accents.
A neutral space with a graphite grey ceiling spruced up with molding that makes a bold statement.
Painted Ceiling Ideas for Different Rooms
Here’s where things get interesting—matching your ceiling style to the purpose of each room. In the living room, a bold ceiling color can really stand out and become a focal point. You might even consider adding a central medallion for that extra “wow” factor that catches everyone’s eye.
For bedrooms, I’d lean towards softer colors or maybe a simple stencil design. It’s all about creating a peaceful, relaxing space where you can unwind.
In the kitchen, a painted ceiling can tie together your cabinets and countertops. A subtle pop of color up top can make the whole space feel more interesting. And don’t overlook the dining room—a deep, rich ceiling color or a touch of metallic sheen can add a luxurious feel that makes gatherings feel a bit more special.
Bathrooms do best with light, airy ceiling colors that contribute to a spa-like atmosphere. And for a home office, consider colors that energize you. I once painted my office ceiling a soft green, and it really helped boost my focus and creativity. It’s amazing how much the right ceiling color can change the vibe of a room.
How To Paint A Ceiling?
Alright, so you’re sold on the idea, but how do you pull it off? The cool thing is that you could change it anytime you want. It’s not that pricey as changing things like moldings. You can do that even if your budget doesn’t allow for a professional painter.
First, prep is key. Clean your ceiling, prime it, and tape off areas for clean lines—trust me, the last thing you want is a wobbly edge ruining your work. A roller is your best friend for a smooth surface.
When it comes to technique, you’ve got options. You can roll it straightforward, you may try sponging for a textured look, or even stenciling for intricate designs. Uneven coverage, drips, and missed spots are all common mistakes. But hey, s little patience and attention to detail go a long way in keeping your ceiling looking stylish and vibrant.
A playroom done with a yellow ceiling, a planked desk and open shelves, a large rug and yellow striped curtains.
A pretty bay window space with a green ceiling, a cabinet and shelves with art, a green daybed and a striped rug plus a disco ball.
A quirky living room with a pink ceiling, printed wallpaper, a green sofa, a gallery wall, a glass coffee table and a bold rug.
A refined and bold living room with a gold ceiling, a green sofa, white chairs, a cane sideboard and a unique petal chandelier.
A shiny navy ceiling is a cool way to add a touch of color and a moody feel to the monochromatic bedroom.
A small and cozy bathroom done with a pink sloped ceiling,a sink, a toilet, some baskets and potted plants plus decor.
A small space done cool with a fuchsia ceiling, a desk, a chair, a white sofa and colorful pillows plus a shelving unit.
A sophisticated bedroom with a pink ceiling, a bed with neutral bedding, a large brass circle as art and a gorgeous cloud chandelier.
A sophisticated entryway with a glossy grene ceiling, a dark artwork, a console and a coffee table, a chic chandelier and a bold printed rug.
A sophisticated living room with a bold purple ceiling, purple seating furniture, a stained table and animal printed rugs.
A super bright turquoise ceiling and matching chairs and accessories are a great color statement in the space.
A warm and welcoming bedorom with a yellow ceiling, a bed with neutral bedding, a dark-stained cabinet, a chair and potted greenery.
A whimsical coastal space with a yellow ceiling, a windowsill bench with pillows, a shabby chic table with bottles and a unique fish art.
An airy living room with a green ceiling, a white sofa, a stained vintage table, a tiered chandelier and a rug.
An electric blue paneled ceiling is a major color statement and design feature of the dining room.
An exquisite dining room with a lilac ceiling, a black table and mismatching chairs, some cool artwork.
An extra bold living room with a red ceiling, a red sofa, bold art, a navy lvoeseat and some pendant lamps.
An eye-catchy living room with a green ceiling, a hearth, a green chair, a round window, a bold printed rug and a potted plant.
An unexpected sunny yellow ceiling creates a feeling of sunshine in the house everytime you look at it.